Latest news with #AI-exposed
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Is your college degree becoming obsolete with AI's rise? Experts say there is a smarter way forward
College degrees may no longer guarantee job security as AI transforms hiring standards. PwC's report shows that job roles most affected by AI now evolve 66% faster, pushing companies to value real-time abilities over academic qualifications. Experts urge professionals to embrace continuous learning, master AI tools, and focus on adaptability to thrive in this dynamic, tech-driven future. As AI rapidly reshapes the job market, the importance of formal degrees is fading—especially in AI-exposed roles. According to PwC's 2025 AI Jobs Barometer, employers now prioritize current skills over past education. (Representational image: iStock) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Skills Are the New Currency in the Age of AI In sectors where AI tools are already widespread, the skills employers demand are changing 66% more rapidly than in roles with minimal AI influence according to the PwC report. (Representational image: iStock) Learn Fast, Stay Relevant: The New Career Imperative Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Degrees Still Matter—But Not in the Way You Think A college degree, long considered the golden ticket to employment, is now losing its luster—especially in jobs most exposed to artificial intelligence. According to PwC's 2025 AI Jobs Barometer, employer demand for formal degrees is on the decline, and nowhere is that trend more pronounced than in AI-driven sectors . As AI systems rapidly empower individuals to master knowledge and execute tasks with lightning speed, the need to prove expertise through traditional education is report, based on the analysis of nearly a billion job listings and thousands of company financial statements worldwide, paints a future where hiring managers care more about what you can do right now than what your diploma says you studied years fields like finance, software, and data analysis—where AI tools are already ubiquitous—the skills employers seek are evolving 66% faster than in jobs less touched by AI, such as physical therapy. This dramatic shift, up from 25% last year, is not just a trend but a signal that traditional academic qualifications may struggle to keep pace with the breakneck evolution of knowledge.'The emphasis on skills over degrees in hiring may help democratize opportunity,' the report notes, potentially leveling the playing field for those without the time or money to pursue multi-year university programs. It's not about what you learned then, but what you can do Atkinson, PwC's Global Chief AI Officer, believes the future belongs to those who take charge of their learning—especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. In a conversation with CNBC Make It, he emphasized that today's education is no longer confined to lecture halls and textbooks. Anyone with a laptop and internet connection can access AI models, understand prompt engineering, and train themselves in real time.'The ability individuals have to tap vast amounts of knowledge is amplified in this age of AI,' Atkinson said. He encourages professionals to dive into different AI platforms, follow tech updates, and most importantly, use the tools regularly. Practical, applied skills are what separate the AI-literate from the he warns, is now 'the new table stakes.' If you're not actively upskilling, you're already trailing this seismic shift, Atkinson isn't ringing the death knell for formal education just yet. He argues that universities still offer something vital: critical thinking, collaboration, and a foundation for higher-order reasoning.'Formal education is not just about skills acquisition—it's about how you think and interact with the world,' he said. Those qualities, he believes, will only grow more valuable as machines take over more mechanical to remain competitive in this new world, even degree-holders will need to commit to lifelong learning . The rise of AI demands not just knowledge, but agility—a mindset of constant is your college degree obsolete? Not quite. But if you think it's enough to futureproof your career, think again. The rise of AI is pushing workers to become perpetual learners, fluent in the language of algorithms and tools. In this emerging era, the true measure of your value isn't your credentials—it's your in this brave new world, those who learn fastest will lead the future.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Beyond the fear: What global data says about AI supporting, not replacing jobs
As AI and automation reshape the world of work, a quiet anxiety is sweeping across sectors, fuelled by fears of job loss and uncertainty about the future. With tightening pressure, employees, regardless of age or industry, are grappling with rising stress and mental fatigue. In such a moment of emotional vulnerability, while upskilling and reskilling for the workforce are essential, without a clear roadmap, they alone may not be enough to ease these fears. What's needed to sustain workforce trust isn't just speculation, but data-backed insights and credible research, evidence that shows AI isn't a threat to jobs, but a powerful tool for growth and evolution. Building confidence with data-driven insights To restore the confidence of today's demoralised workforce, many of whom fear being replaced by AI, we've gathered key global reports that present evidence-based insights. These findings show that AI isn't here to take over jobs, but to create new opportunities and reshape the future of work for the better. #Insight 1: 38% rise in AI-exposed jobs, 56% wage premium for AI-skilled workers A recent PWC 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer , analysing nearly a billion job ads across six continents, reveals that AI is boosting worker value, productivity, and wage potential, with job numbers rising by 38% between 2019 and 2024 in the AI-exposed roles. According to the report, since the rise of GenAI in 2022, productivity in AI-exposed sectors has surged from 7% in 2018-2022 to 27% by 2024. It also revealed that AI-skilled workers earned an average wage premium of 56% in 2024, which was more than double the 25% premium from the previous year, defying widespread fears of job losses. In 2025, this number will continue to grow. #Insight 2: 1 in 4 jobs are highly exposed to AI, but not at risk of elimination A recently released joint study titled 'Generative AI and jobs: A refined global index of occupational exposure' by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Poland's National Research Institute (NASK) reveals that one in four jobs worldwide is highly exposed to AI. Surprisingly, the study emphasises this exposure as a transformation rather than a replacement of jobs. It highlights that complete automation in many sectors remains limited, with human involvement continuing to play a central role in maintaining efficiency. #Insight 3: $4.4 trillion productivity potential, but only with people at the centre McKinsey's recent insights on generative AI underscore that generative AI could deliver as much as $4.4 trillion in global productivity gains annually. But beyond the numbers, a quieter revolution is underway, one that shifts the focus from machine dominance to human enablement. Realising this potential, many companies are investing in reskilling, change management, and employee support systems that are better positioned to unlock AI's full value. #Insight 4: 72% of enterprises adopting AI, 40% jump in efficiency with strategic use Deloitte Global's 2025 predictions report, ' Generative AI: Paving the Way for a Transformative Future ', also presents a forward-looking analysis of how AI is not just automating tasks but enhancing human decision-making, fostering new business models, and increasing efficiency in dynamic work environments. With 72% of global enterprises already embracing AI-led transformations, the report further points to the rise of new roles focused on AI governance, ethics, and collaboration between humans and machines. Interestingly, companies that use AI strategically have seen up to a 40% jump in operational efficiency, showing that when done right, AI isn't just a tool, it's a foundation for workplace resilience. AI is a partner, not a replacement As change remains a constant force, it's important to recognise that AI as a revolution has just superseded the conventional method of working, bringing innovation and development to technology, while retaining the essential role of human judgement and creativity. With the right training and increased awareness, the fear of job loss can shift into optimism about thriving in an AI-driven world.
West Australian
09-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
New research busts 6 AI myths: Artificial intelligence makes workers ‘more valuable, not less'
Despite widespread fears that artificial intelligence could automate jobs and cut employees' wages, AI actually makes people 'more valuable, not less', new research by professional services firm PwC has found. 'What causes people to react in this environment is the speed of the tech innovation,' PwC global chief AI officer Joe Atkinson said. 'The reality is that the tech innovation is moving really, really fast. It's moving at a pace that we've never seen in a tech innovation before. 'What the report suggests, actually, is AI is creating jobs.' In fact, both jobs and wages are growing in 'virtually every' AI-exposed occupation — or jobs that have tasks where the technology can be used — including those that are the most automatable, such as customer service workers or software coders, according to the 2025 AI Jobs Barometer report. 'We know that every time we have an industrial revolution, there are more jobs created than lost. The challenge is that the skills workers need for the new jobs can be quite different,' said Carol Stubbings, PwC UK's global chief commercial officer, in the report. 'So the challenge, we believe, is not that there won't be jobs. It's that workers need to be prepared to take them.' The report, which analysed more than 800 million job ads and thousands of company financial reports across six continents, challenged six common myths about AI's impact: Myth: AI has not yet had a significant impact on productivity. However, the report found that since 2022, productivity growth in industries 'best positioned to adopt AI' has nearly quadrupled, while falling slightly in industries 'least exposed' to AI, such as physical therapy. Notably, the industries that are the most exposed to AI, such as software publishing, showed three times higher growth in revenue per employee, according to PwC's data. Myth: AI can have a negative impact on workers' wages and bargaining power. PwC's data showed that the wages of workers with AI skills are on average 56 per cent higher compared to workers without these skills in the same occupation, up from 25 per cent last year. In addition, wages are rising twice as fast in industries that are the most exposed to AI compared to the industries least exposed. Myth: AI may lead to a decrease in job numbers. The report found that while occupations with lower exposure to AI saw strong job growth at 65 per cent between 2019 and 2024, growth remained robust — albeit slower — even in occupations more exposed to the technology (38 per cent). Myth: AI may exacerbate inequalities in opportunities and wages for workers. Contrary to fears that AI will worsen inequality, the report findings show that wages and employment are rising for jobs that are augmentable and automatable by the technology. The report noted that employer demand for formal degrees is declining faster in AI-exposed jobs, creating broader opportunities 'for millions'. Myth: AI may 'deskill' jobs that it automates. The report found that instead, AI can enrich automatable jobs by freeing up employees from tedious tasks to practice more complex skills and decision-making. For example, data entry clerks can evolve into a 'higher value' role such as data analysts, according to PwC. Myth: AI may devalue jobs that it highly automates. The data shows that not only are wages rising for jobs that are highly automatable, but the technology is also reshaping these jobs to become more 'complex and creative', and ultimately, make people more valuable. The study offers another perspective: In a world where many countries have declining working-age populations, softening job growth in AI-exposed occupations could even 'be helpful' and benefit such countries. The productivity boost by AI can actually create a 'multiplier effect' on the available workforce and satisfy the gaps that companies might not have been able to be fill otherwise, as well as growth for businesses, Mr Atkinson said. 'It's a prediction supported already by the productivity data we're seeing,' he added. 'I think it could absolutely and will be a good thing.' Ultimately, the study takes the stance that AI should be treated 'as a growth strategy, not just an efficiency strategy'. Rather than using the technology to cut costs on headcount, companies should help their employees adapt and work together to create new opportunities, claim new markets and revenue streams. 'It is critical to avoid the trap of low ambition. Instead of limiting our focus to automating yesterday's jobs, let's create the new jobs and industries of the future,' the report said. 'AI, if used with imagination, could spark a flowering of new jobs and new business models. For example, two-thirds of jobs in the US today did not exist in 1940, and many of these new jobs were enabled by advances in technology,' the report added. CNBC
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Amid job loss fears due to automation, a shocking new report reveals how AI is actually making workers ‘more valuable'
As anxiety mounts over artificial intelligence (AI) threatening jobs and wages, a groundbreaking new study by professional services giant PwC turns the narrative on its head. Contrary to fears that AI will lead to widespread layoffs and wage suppression, the research shows that AI is making workers more valuable — boosting both employment and pay across industries. The Speed of AI Innovation: A Double-Edged Sword? Joe Atkinson, PwC's Global Chief AI Officer, emphasizes the unprecedented pace of AI advancements. Speaking to CNBC Make It , Atkinson noted, 'The tech innovation is moving really, really fast — faster than anything we've ever seen.' Yet, instead of causing disruption through job losses, AI is creating new roles and opportunities. 'What the report suggests, actually, is AI is creating jobs,' he said. Jobs and Wages Climb in AI-Exposed Occupations The 2025 AI Jobs Barometer report, analyzing over 800 million job ads worldwide, reveals a surprising trend: jobs and wages are growing in nearly every role where AI can be applied. This includes occupations considered highly automatable, such as customer service and software development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Gel Makes Mold Disappear Like Magic CleanLix Learn More Undo Carol Stubbings, PwC UK's Global Chief Commercial Officer, highlights a crucial challenge — not the loss of jobs but the evolving skillsets required. 'Workers need to be prepared to take the new jobs that AI is creating,' she said. The report warns against complacency, urging workforce adaptation as the key to thriving alongside AI. — KirkDBorne (@KirkDBorne) Busting the Biggest AI Myths PwC's extensive research debunks six common misconceptions about AI's impact on the labor market. Far from stagnating productivity, industries most exposed to AI have seen productivity growth nearly quadruple since 2022. Contrary to fears of wage suppression, workers with AI skills earn on average 56% more than their peers without those skills—a significant rise from 25% last year. You Might Also Like: As AI redefines engineers' roles, Cisco CPO Jeetu Patel reveals 'grossly underestimated' skills needed for the future Even the myth that AI reduces overall job numbers doesn't hold up. Occupations less exposed to AI grew by 65% from 2019 to 2024, while AI-exposed jobs still posted a robust 38% growth. Furthermore, the report finds AI does not worsen inequality; wages and job opportunities are rising in AI-augmented and automatable roles, with employer demand for formal degrees decreasing in these sectors—potentially widening access. AI as a Job Enricher, Not a Job Killer Another surprise: AI is enriching jobs traditionally seen as vulnerable to automation. By automating mundane tasks, AI frees workers to develop more complex, creative skills. Data entry clerks, for example, are evolving into data analysts, increasing their value in the workplace. The report also shows that even jobs highly susceptible to automation are becoming more complex and creative, ultimately enhancing human worth rather than devaluing it. Could Gentler Job Growth Be a Hidden Blessing? With many countries facing declining working-age populations, the study suggests that moderated job growth in AI-affected fields might be beneficial. AI-driven productivity gains create a multiplier effect, filling workforce gaps and enabling companies to grow more efficiently. You Might Also Like: Are advanced AI models exhibiting 'dangerous' behavior? Turing Award-winning professor Yoshua Bengio sounds the alarm Atkinson concludes, 'It's a prediction supported by the productivity data we're seeing… It could absolutely and will be a good thing.' AI: From Efficiency Tool to Growth Strategy The report urges companies to rethink AI as more than a cost-cutting tool. Instead, AI should be embraced as a powerful growth engine. Businesses are encouraged to help employees adapt, innovate, and collaborate to create new markets and revenue streams. 'It is critical to avoid the trap of low ambition. Instead of limiting our focus to automating yesterday's jobs, let's create the new jobs and industries of the future,' the report advocates. Historically, technology has been a wellspring of new jobs — with two-thirds of today's U.S. jobs nonexistent in 1940. PwC's research suggests AI could ignite a similar wave of innovation, reshaping the workforce for decades to come.
CNBC
06-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
New research busts 6 AI myths: Artificial intelligence makes workers 'more valuable, not less'
Despite widespread fears that artificial intelligence could automate jobs and cut employees' wages, AI actually makes people "more valuable, not less," new research by professional services firm PwC found. "What causes people to react in this environment is the speed of the tech innovation," PwC Global Chief AI Officer, Joe Atkinson told CNBC Make It. "The reality is that the tech innovation is moving really, really fast. It's moving at a pace that we've never seen in a tech innovation before." "What the report suggests, actually, is AI is creating jobs," Atkinson said. In fact, both jobs and wages are growing in "virtually every" AI-exposed occupation — or jobs that have tasks where the technology can be used — including those that are the most automatable, such as customer service workers or software coders, according to the 2025 AI Jobs Barometer report. "We know that every time we have an industrial revolution, there are more jobs created than lost. The challenge is that the skills workers need for the new jobs can be quite different," said Carol Stubbings, PwC UK's global chief commercial officer, in the report. "So the challenge, we believe, is not that there won't be jobs. It's that workers need to be prepared to take them," said Stubbings. The report, which analyzed over 800 million job ads and thousands of company financial reports across six continents, challenged six common myths about AI's impact: Myth: AI has not yet had a significant impact on productivity. However, the report found that since 2022, productivity growth in industries "best positioned to adopt AI" has nearly quadrupled, while falling slightly in industries "least exposed" to AI, such as physical therapy. Notably, the industries that are the most exposed to AI, such as software publishing, showed three times higher growth in revenue per employee, according to PwC's data. Myth: AI can have a negative impact on workers' wages and bargaining power. PwC's data showed that the wages of workers with AI skills are on average 56% higher compared to workers without these skills in the same occupation, up from 25% last year. In addition, wages are rising twice as fast in industries that are the most exposed to AI compared to the industries least exposed. Myth: AI may lead to a decrease in job numbers. The report found that while occupations with lower exposure to AI saw strong job growth at 65% between 2019 and 2024, growth remained robust — albeit slower — even in occupations more exposed to the technology (38%). Myth: AI may exacerbate inequalities in opportunities and wages for workers. Contrary to fears that AI will worsen inequality, the report findings show that wages and employment are rising for jobs that are augmentable and automatable by the technology. The report noted that employer demand for formal degrees is declining faster in AI-exposed jobs, creating broader opportunities "for millions". Myth: AI may "deskill" jobs that it automates. The report found that instead, AI can enrich automatable jobs by freeing up employees from tedious tasks to practice more complex skills and decision making. For example, data entry clerks can evolve into a "higher value" role such as data analysts, according to PwC. Myth: AI may devalue jobs that it highly automates. The data shows that not only are wages rising for jobs that are highly automatable, but the technology is also reshaping these jobs to become more "complex and creative," and ultimately, make people more valuable. The study offers another perspective: In a world where many countries have declining working-age populations, softening job growth in AI-exposed occupations could even "be helpful" and benefit such countries. The productivity boost by AI can actually create a "multiplier effect" on the available workforce and satisfy the gaps that companies might not have been able to be fill otherwise, as well as growth for businesses, said Atkinson. "It's a prediction supported already by the productivity data we're seeing," he added. "I think it could absolutely and will be a good thing." Ultimately, the study takes the stance that AI should be treated "as a growth strategy, not just an efficiency strategy." Rather than using the technology to cut costs on headcount, companies should help their employees adapt and work together to create new opportunities, claim new markets and revenue streams. "It is critical to avoid the trap of low ambition. Instead of limiting our focus to automating yesterday's jobs, let's create the new jobs and industries of the future," the report said. "AI, if used with imagination, could spark a flowering of new jobs and new business models. For example, 2/3 of jobs in the U.S. today did not exist in 1940, and many of these new jobs were enabled by advances in technology," the report added.
